BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN BRISTOL EVENT LISTING 2011
1 Introduction
Introduction What is Black History Month? Black History Month (BHM) is a commemoration of iconic people and moments in the history of the African Diaspora. It focuses on those who have and continue to make a difference to the advancement and celebration of African-Caribbean people.
What does Black History Month in Bristol mean for me? BHM is an ideal opportunity to get to know more about the history and heritage of Britain’s African and Caribbean Communities. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Bristol as a multicultural city, learn more about Bristol’s diverse communities and to take part in various events.
What is the theme for Black History Month this year? Black History Month is a chance for the whole city to edify and enlighten each other on the achievements and contributions made to our communities. It also aims to motivate and inspire all generations to make their dreams a reality by reaching their full potential in life and developing strengths, talents and embracing positivity within communities.
Where are the events held? Events are held and organised across the city and surrounding areas by individual, voluntary groups, local authorities, primary care trusts and libraries. All projects use the skills and experiences of the local workforce and community in the planning and delivery.
Design by Bristol City Council, Bristol Design BD1683 Compiled by Mohammed. S. Umar (Intern) – University of the West of England i Source: www.factmonster.com
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Event listings Eclipse Theatre ONE MONKEY DON’T STOP NO SHOW 30 Sept – 1 Oct | Fri & Sat 8pm Saturday 2.30pm | Tobacco Factory | Southville | BS3 5AR | £13 (Concessions £9) Special 2 for 1 Tickets(£13) for Friday 30th Sept (Please quote - Black History Month) You’ve seen the Fresh Prince and The Cosby Show – now meet the family who started it all. The Harrison’s are the most respectable middle-class Black family in Philadelphia, but the arrival of their niece from the rural south turns their polite, Christian, suburban life on its head. This funny and outrageous
Black History Month assemblies and class workshops October and November | Bristol City Council Schools | A series of Black History Month assemblies and class workshops, for Key stage 2. Our sessions are positive, interactive, empowering and uplifting for all children, relevant to PSHE, citizenship and global issues, including African history, art, literacy and
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Fannie M. Jackson, pioneer and educator, first Black woman college graduate in US born (1836 - 1913)
timeless comedy stars award winning actor and comedian Jocelyn Jee Esien (3 Non Blondes & Little Miss Jocelyn) and Roger Griffiths (Chef). Box Office: 0117 902 0344 or email: tickets@tobaccofactory.com www.tobaccofactory.com
languages. Our methods are participatory, involving the children in negotiating skills, physical activities, developing thinking, enquiry, discovery and expressing opinions. Elizabeth Small ameena@blueyonder.co.uk 0117 971 2456 / 07921 770 827 Belinda French 0117 954 1753
“I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was” Muhamad Ali
3 Events
Robeson Productions J.A. STORY – THE HISTORY OF JAMAICA MUSICAL. 2 Oct | 3pm – 5.30pm & 7.30pm – 10pm | Colston Hall | Colston Street | Bristol | £12 – £19.50 J.A. Story – The History of Jamaica, is an original musical, and the perfect example of diversity in action. See how the people of Africa, China, India, and the middle East made Jamaica their home. The show is Caribbean Extravaganza at its best. Music, song and dance. Bristol is part of the
Culture clash ‘Black History’ – Jamaicans in Bristol 3 Oct | Mill Youth Centre 6 – 8pm Every Monday| Bristol Acadamy 9am – 3pm Every Monday | Malcom X Centre | 11am – 1pm | Donations Jamaicans In Bristol, is a true story a real factual historical documentary about the journey from Jamaica to Bristol over 60 years by members of the community and so told from their experience. Young people are accredited for using this media to tell such an important historical story, which is both truthful and respectful of Black History. George Francis 07981 877 247
background story and there can be no better way to start your Black History Month celebrations. Box Office: 0117 922 3686 | www.jastory.com
BME voluntary & community service fair 4 Oct | 12pm – 7pm | Conference Hall | Council House | College Green | Bristol The second year of this extremely popular networking and information sharing day. Last year over 40 voluntary and community based organisations as well as public sector agencies gave support to engage with members of Black and minority ethnic communities across the city. To book a free stall space and or speak at the event please email simon.nelson@bristol.gov.uk or call 0117 922 2358 by 30 September.
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A book of blues COURTTIA NEWLAND 4 Oct | 6pm – 7pm | Bristol Central Library | College Green | £3 Courttia Newland will be reading from his latest collection of short stories, A Book of Blues. This will be followed by a discussion with the audience. Through often humorous and surprising stories, Newland’s protagonists endeavour to navigate a landscape where love presents as many obstacles as opportunities. Following his debut novel, The Scholar (1998), Newland was hailed by The Guardian as “The rising star of Brit-Lit and chronicler of inner city life.”
Promoted by Bristol City Council in association with City Chameleon Ltd Bristol Central Library 0117 903 7250 Munawar.hussain@bristol.gov.uk
Loveworks Presents…Griots t’Garage – A musical history of the african diaspora with Dennis Rollins
5 Oct | 7pm – 10pm | Brigstocke Road | St Pauls | Bristol | FREE Dennis Rollins way of acknowledging the horrific suffering of his African ancestors whose instinct for survival and determination to preserve their musical traditions gave birth to wonderful music that is enjoyed worldwide in its many permutations. Dr. Edson Burton will be exploring how traditional African arts and
culture have defined and redefined historical and contemporary black protest. Jamie Thomas 07882 397 211 jamie.thomas@loveworksbristol.org
5 Events
Widening the talent pool II – Talent pool conference 5 Oct | Old Council House | Corn Street | Bristol | 9am – 4.30pm | Invitaion only The conference is a follow up to the one held two years ago, to see how far the council and other public authorities have progressed on work with BME staff to inspire and support public sector managers to progress this agenda in partnership and dialogue with BME leaders and stakeholders. Simon Nelson 0117 922 2358 simon.nelson@bristol.gov.uk
Afrinique launches! Screening of ancestral voices 8 Oct | 3pm – 6pm | Ujima House (CEED) | 97–107 Wilder Street | St Pauls | £3 Afrinqiue, an organisation established to celebrate the beauty of African Culture will hold a screening of "Ancestral Voices" An educational documentary spanning two continents, creating a much-needed debate about traditional African spiritual systems; their cosmologies, ideologies and underlying ethical principles. Following the screening there will be an opportunity to ask the Directors questions. Afrinique "Celebrating the land, people and culture"
Giving blood in memory of Daniel De-gale 6 Oct | Old Council House | Corn Street | 9am – 4.30pm | Invitaion only Bristol Blood Drive Campaign to recruit more Blood donors from BME students. NHSBT will be having a Blood Drive for BME students thoroughout the city of Bristol to give blood. This is a national drive which will be taking place across cities. Geraldine Parker 0117 9217502 geraldine.parker@nhsbt.nhs.uk
“Success doesn’t come to you … you go to it”. Marva Collins, Educator
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Loveworks Presents…Giving a voice to the ‘voiceless’: Sound Systems and cultural resistance! 12 Oct | 7pm – 10pm | Docklands Youth Centre | Brigstocke Road | St Pauls | FREE A Reggaematical journey from Jamaica to the UK. By drawing on his book, ‘What the Deejay Said: A Critique From The Street’, Dr Les Henry will challenge the way Sound System and Deejay Culture are understood and demonstrate how the lyricism of the Reggae Deejays paved the way for the
grime and spoken words artists who dominate popular culture now. present Jamie Thomas 07882 397211 jamie.thomas@loveworksbristol.org
“Take the first step in faith.You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Diversity Careers
14 Oct | @Bristol | Anchor Rd | Harbourside | 10am – 7pm | FREE Diversity Careers is a free recruitment and careers event offering information, advice and putting jobseekers in touch with employers who value diversity. Showcasing all communities in Bristol we welcome you to join us and find out how to get that job, apprenticeship or work
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placement. Diversity Careers will also be running interview skills and CV workshops. Find out more at www.diversitycareers.org Daryn Carter 07855799334 www.diversitycareers.org daryn@diversitycareers.org
“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams” Oprah Winfrey
The first black person to be recorded as living in Bristol was an un-named gardener employed towards the end of the 1500s at the Great House on what is now the site of Colston Hall in Bristol’s city centre.
7 Events
Black History Month at Watershed
15 – 27 Oct | Watershed | 1 Canons Road | Bristol | £3.60 – £7.20 As part of Black History Month, Watershed is hosting events and screenings throughout October. These include ‘The Story of Lovers Rock’ (Sun 23 Oct 15:30,) a feature length documentary by Menelik Shabazz (Burning An Illusion), ‘Soundtrack for Revolution’ (Sat 15 Oct 18:00) which tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music.
From Fri 21 – Thu 27 Oct, ‘Black Power Mixtape’ by Swedish filmmaker Göran Hugo Olsson. This documentary about being Black in America in the ’60s and ’70s, as seen through the curious and at times naive eyes of Swedish journalists, with new commentary by prominent African American voices, including Kathleen Cleaver, Harry Belafonte, Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli. Various starting times, please call for information. Cat John 0117 927 5100 cat@watershed.co.uk
Ungochani or Homosexual Women filmakers of Zimbabwe 16 Oct | Watershed | 1 Canons Road | Bristol | 1pm – 3pm | FREE Zimbabwean film maker Porcia Mudavamba’s thought provoking documentary exploring the taboo that is homosexuality in her homeland. She interviews ‘out’ lesbian and gay men and explores how hatred and persecution of gay people is common across Zimbabwe. A post screening discussion will be hosted by Ros Martin. claire.stewart@watershed.co.uk
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“Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it"
Black people have been living in Bristol for at least 400 years
Nelson Mandela
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Dance for change
Ujima Radio CIC – Out and about
18 Oct | Council House | College Green | 10.30am – 12 noon | FREE Invitation only A unique workshop designed to introduce managers to the issues of race and employment by exploring some of the sensitivities through drama. This workshop is designed for managers from within the public, private and voluntary sector to enable them to develop working practices that are inclusive. Simon Nelson 0117 922 2358 simon.nelson@bristol.gov.uk
National Union of Teachers – Anthony Walker memorial lecture
22 Oct | Colston Hall | Colston Street | Bristol | 12 noon – 6pm (FREE), 7.30pm (£10) The month of October will be one to remember, Ujima Radio will be out and about this year to celebrate and showcase the very best that Bristol's black / urban community has to offer. Doors will also be open for the ever popular 'Lyrical Minded' (spoken word event) from 7.30pm in the evening. This is a day not to be missed! Kevin Philemon 0117 924 7715 info@ujimaradio.com
21 Oct | 5pm – 8pm | Council House | College Green | Bristol | Numbers limited, Invitation only The National Union of Teachers, in partnership with the Anthony Walker Foundation, instituted an annual memorial lecture in the name of Anthony Walker in 2007. The lecture will be given by Dr. Adolph Cameron, General Secretary of the Jamaica Teachers Association and also the Caribbean Union of Teachers. Lindsey McDowell 020 7380 4762 l.mcdowell@nut.org.uk Black History Month was first celebrated in the United States in 1976
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9 Events
Who are we and does it matter in the 21st century? Gary Younge 25 Oct | Reference Reading Room | Bristol Central Library | College Green | 7pm – 8.30pm | £5.00 Gary Younge is a feature writer and columnist on American affairs for The Guardian. In his latest book," Who Are We - and Should It Matter in the 21st Century?", Gary argues that through our lives we all carry forms of identity such as nationalism, notions of gender and religious beliefs like travel baggage, but he recommends that we should check these in before our journey continues. He said, “Identity is a very important place to start, but a very bad place to finish.”
Promoted by Bristol City Council In association with TILT and City Chameleon Ltd. Bristol Central Library 0117 903 7250
“Racism is not an excuse to not do the best you can” Arthur Ashe
Tavaziva Dance Company in DOUBLE TAKE 25 Oct | Circomedia | St Pauls Church | Portland Square | 7.30pm – 9pm | £13 (£9 concessions) Circomedia is marking Black History Month with a double bill of dance inspired by African culture and migration. To open, the youth company Z Movements performs OBEY THE WIND, choreographed by Natasha Player and exploring her dual heritage. To follow, the acclaimed
Tavaziva company performs DOUBLE TAKE – reflecting the different worlds, rhythms and styles encountered by choreographer Bawren Tavaziva as a child in rural Zimbabwe, a teenager in Harare and as a world-touring professional dancer now based in the UK. Pam Beddard 0117 987 0042 Venue 0117 924 7615 www.circomedia.com or use the box office at Colston Hall, 13 Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR; 0117 922 3686.
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Black History Month Celebration
25 Oct | The Vassall Centre | Gill Avenue | Fishponds | 10am – 2pm | FREE An opportunity for adults with learning difficulties and their carers to celebrate Black History Month by collecting information from stalls and attending workshops, enhancing cultural awareness.
There will be a chance to taste different food/fruit and take part in some Bollywood dancing organised by some of the People First members. No food provided other than that from the stalls, so need to bring a packed lunch if you get hungry! Valerie Mower / Fred Miller 0117 941 5842 valerie@bsgpf.org.uk
“Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude” Michelle Obama
Loveworks Presents… Africa to Urban Stage Show for ages 14–25 27 Oct | 7pm – 1am | Blue Mountain Club | 2 Stokes Croft | Bristol | FREE Following on from the hugely successful ‘Loveworks Stage’ at the St. Pauls Carnival this year young people will showcase the heritage of black music both musically and visually after taking part in a series of workshops running throughout Black History Month. Young aspiring talent will perform alongside established local artists alongside some of the UK’s biggest headline acts.
Jamie Thomas 07882397211 jamie.thomas@loveworksbristol.org www.loveworksbristol.org Matthew A Henson a Black African Caribbean, was the first person to reach the Geographic North Pole on 1909
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11 Events
UWESU and UBU celebrate Black History Month: Love Music Hate Racism gig
Breathing Fire – Stories for Black History Month
27 Oct | Start The Bus | 7–9 Baldwin Street | 8pm | Cost TBC UWE Students’ Union and University of Bristol Students’ Union are proud to invite you to celebrate Black History Month through an amazing Love Music Hate Racism gig. Our music is living testimony to the fact that cultures can and do mix. It unites us and gives us strength, and offers a vibrant celebration of our multicultural and multiracial society. Louise Goux-Wirth 0117 32 82555 / vpcommunityandwelfare@uwe.ac.uk / www.uwesu.org/campaigns/
29 Oct | St Werburghs Community Centre | Horley Road | 2.30pm – 4pm | £6/£3 concs | under 12yrs free An opportunity to share your stories and experiences, or hear those of others. Stories of joy, tears, love and pain. See them theatrically re-created by the Breathing Fire actors and musicians through drama, movement, dance and music. All welcome to come and share, watch, listen to laugh or cry. Ruth Pitter 07795 091 269 breathingfire@hotmail.co.uk
AFRIKA EYE FILM FESTIVAL
28 – 30 Oct | Watershed | 1 Canons Road | 8.30pm | £7.20/£5.60 concs Our 2011 festival is inspired by North Africa: Revolution, Democracy, Dictatorship. A serious subject but films with humour, music and song contribute as well those about inspirational and political activity. Our Eyefull programme welcomes short films on any theme by and about Africa and Africans and our opening film has a fantastic afterparty of music and dance. Ingrid Sinclair 0117 924 6129 afrikaeye@googlemail.com
“It’s wonderful to learn and celebrate the rich diversity and achievements within our communities!” Beverley Knight
If you would like this information in a different format, for example braille, audiotape, large print or computer disc or community languages, please contact us on 0117 922 2329.